Pesto-Marinated Pork Chops Recipe

Pork chops are one of the most popular cuts of meat, and it's no wonder why. Combining a wonderfully meaty texture with a mild taste which pairs well with an almost infinite number of flavors, pork chops are both affordable and versatile. In addition to this, they are also easy to cook, making them a great option for a midweek meal for the beginner cook and the seasoned home chef alike. 

This recipe for pesto-marinated pork chops uses a homemade pesto marinade devised by Tasting Table recipe developer Jennine Rye and combines both basil and parsley for a really fresh and flavorful sauce that's a truly delicious accompaniment to pork chops. Once marinated, you can bake the pork chops in the oven, or if the weather is nice and you want to host a cookout, this recipe is also equally delicious when cooked on a grill.

Because of its versatility, there are a number of great options for sides with this dish. Apples are always a classic pairing, skillet potatoes add a delicious crispy texture to the plate, or why not serve with baked butternut squash for a bright dash of color? Whatever you decide to pair with this delicious pesto-marinated pork chops recipe, it's guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike.

To make this pesto-marinated pork chops recipe first you will want to gather the ingredients. To make the homemade pesto you will need pine nuts, garlic, fresh parsley, fresh basil, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and olive oil. 

You will also require pork chops for this recipe; generally speaking, a thick-cut pork chop is always a better option than the thinner-cut version, as it will be less likely to overcook and become dry. If you have difficulty sourcing pork chops, or if you fancy putting a twist on the recipe to make it your own, you can use a different cut of pork instead, such as pork steaks.

This recipe also calls for cherry tomatoes and asparagus, which cook in the baking tray alongside the pork and pair wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the marinade.

Toasting pine nuts is a small but important step when making pesto, and makes a world of difference to its resulting flavor. There are a couple of different methods for toasting nuts, this particular recipe calls for the pine nuts to be toasted in a pan on the stovetop. This method is quick due to using a higher heat, but that does mean it is important to keep a watchful eye on the pan and keep moving the pine nuts around to prevent them from getting burned. The pine nuts will be ready when they turn golden brown and start giving off a delicious nutty smell.

A marinade is a great and simple way to add more flavor to pork chops, and it also helps to make them deliciously juicy. When the pine nuts are cool, combine them with the other pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend them together until the mixture still retains a bit of texture; a good pesto should be a little chunky, not entirely smooth. Then coat the pork with the pesto and leave it for 30 minutes to marinate. If you're not marinating the meat for too long, you can leave the pork chops at room temperature to take the chill off of them before baking. If you intend to leave them longer than that, return the chops to the fridge and take them out a little before cooking to come up to room temperature.

When you're ready for dinner, first preheat the oven and begin to cook the asparagus and the cherry tomatoes. To cook the pork chops, heat up a pan and sear the pork chops until they are golden, on one side only. This will give the meat a lovely caramelized flavor, as well as a delicious texture and a beautiful finish. 

Nestle the pork chops alongside the tomatoes and asparagus, brush with any leftover pesto marinade, and then roast at 400 F for 7 to 8 minutes. The chops should be cooked through but still juicy. As with all meat dishes, always let the meat rest directly after cooking it. To do this, make a tent out of aluminum foil and use it to cover the pork chops for a few minutes before serving with your chosen accompaniment. 

Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and should be consumed within three days.